Racecourse Redevelopment

Racecourse Redevelopment

Development News (October 2017)

Development News (September 2017)

The Curragh announce main contractor for new development of racecourse

The Curragh Racecourse Ltd have appointed John Sisk & Son Ltd as the main contractor to construct the magnificent new facilities that are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018, in time to launch for the 2019 racing season.

Designed by Grimshaw Architects, in association with Newenham Mulligan & Associates and design and engineering partner Aecom, the new Curragh will see the creation of world class multi-purpose facilities on a par with the best anywhere in the world. The new venue will respect both the great heritage of the Curragh and the importance of celebrating the unique landscape of the Curragh plains, whilst retaining the intimate and distinctive character of the existing racecourse grounds. The redevelopment aims to upgrade the facilities and amenities of the site with an innovative design that will create a sense of arrival, atmosphere and excitement.

The centrepiece of the redevelopment will see the creation of a major new grandstand which will incorporate five star corporate facilities, restaurants, bars and superb viewing facilities for the public. A new arrivals and reception area will incorporate a brand new visitor attraction incorporating a museum to celebrate the history of racing in Ireland and the contribution Ireland has made to the sport worldwide. A new parade ring will ensure that more patrons can share in the excitement and build up to the racing. A new weigh room will provide even better facilities for the jockeys.

Demolition by Murphy International of the old Curragh grandstand and Weigh Room commenced last January and was completed in June, while they are also currently working on the reconstruction of the historic Viewing Stand as a stand-alone feature, which was first built in the 1850s to commemorate the visit of Queen Victoria.

Work on the refurbishment of the stable area also commenced earlier this year with Galway-based Purcell Construction winning the contract to ensure that the real stars of the sport will also have first class facilities. They are due to be completed in time for the 2018 racing season.

Irish Derby & Development News (June 2017)

Irish Guineas & Development News (May 2017)

Development News (May 2017)

Development News (March 2017)

Substantial progress has been made during March as the demolition of the East End stand is close to completion and the commencement of the construction of marquee structures for the 2017 Curragh season which starts on 13th May.

Development News (Feb 2017)

Demolition of the existing Curragh grandstand and Weigh Room commenced in January and progress has been swift with the landscape changing rapidly every day as contractors Murphy International work on the demolition and enabling project which is due to be completed by mid-May in advance of the 2017 racing season.
Work on the refurbishment of the stable area has also commenced with Galway-based Purcell Construction.

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The word "Curragh means place of the running horse. The Irish turf club was founded in the coffee rooms in Kildare and it was soon established as the governing body for horse racing throughout Ireland.